some snack suggestions

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some snack suggestions
By j

I have done snack three ways.
1. Ask parents to send a specified amount of money at the beginning of the year. Use it to purchase snacks yourself. The advantage: no-one forgets because it is YOUR job to remember. The disadvantage:It
is YOUR job to remember! Also, if you run out of money, you have to foot the bill for the remainder of the year. And, it could be hard on disadvantaged families to come up with the funds you ask for.
2. Each child brings his/her own snack labeled with his/her name each day. The advantage: no work for you. Disadvantage: Some don't bring.. But, you could have extra on hand.

Some parents might volunteer to donate extras. I have also had other problems with this..sharing after handling or tasting (even if I establish a no trading or sharing rule)..and stealing.. even if a child has a snack, someone else's seems more appealing!
3. Snack Calendar....Send a snack calendar home monthly..or weekly... listing who's day it is to provide the class with a snack. I send home a snack suggestion list and a list of places where snacks can be purchased cheaply. Advantage: everyone gets the same snack..so no stealing, sharing takes place. Disadvantage: parents sometimes forget. I send home a reminder note the day before snack is due. And if they still forget, I send a note letting them know they need to make up their snack day by sending snack the following day.
Snacks can be purchased for under a dollar so I don't think it is too much of a burden financially. I also let parents know that they can purchase and send snacks ahead and I will keep it for them. Parents who are on some sort of assistance program usually get aid for food and not for other things like cups or napkins. I try to keep that in mind and not ask for those types of items.( remember that when planning for parties too.) Some teachers also send a note home letting parents know that they can opt out of being put on the snack calendar. If a parent responds, they just don't ever put that child's name on the list. (of course, they still get snack like all the other children.)
Hope this helps.